Payloads, Sensors and Data Links

UAS 110 delves into the fundamental aspects of integrating and operating specialized equipment aboard unmanned aircraft for data acquisition. The curriculum covers a range of sensor technologies, including visible-spectrum cameras, advanced light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems, and multispectral imagers, exploring their operational characteristics, data formats, and typical applications. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to understanding radio frequency (RF) command and control links, including principles of secure communication, frequency management, and signal integrity. Students will also investigate various video transmission systems, assessing their capabilities for real-time monitoring and data relay. The course emphasizes practical skills essential for technicians involved in the deployment, maintenance, and data management of UAS equipped with sophisticated payloads.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

UAS 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to UAS Payloads and Sensorslecture

02Lesson 2: Principles of Visible-Spectrum Imaging Systemslecture

03Lesson 3: Camera System Components and Configurationlecture

04Hands-on Lab: Basic Camera System Setup and Operationlab

05Lesson 5: Introduction to Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Technologylecture

06Lesson 6: LiDAR System Components and Data Acquisitionlecture

07Lesson 7: Multispectral Imaging Principles and Applicationslecture

08Hands-on Lab: Multispectral Sensor Configuration and Data Capturelab

09Lesson 9: Fundamentals of Radio Frequency (RF) Communication for UASlecture

10Lesson 10: Command and Control (C2) Data Links and Protocolslecture

11Hands-on Lab: RF Link Performance Testing and Troubleshootinglab

12Lesson 12: Real-time Video Transmission Systems for UASlecture

13Lesson 13: Data Link Security and Interference Mitigationlecture

14Capstone Service Project: Integrated Payload and Data Link Deploymentassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to UAS Payloads and Sensors","Week 2: Lesson 2: Principles of Visible-Spectrum Imaging Systems","Week 3: Lesson 3: Camera System Components and Configuration","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Basic Camera System Setup and Operation","Week 5: Lesson 5: Introduction to Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Technology","Week 6: Lesson 6: LiDAR System Components and Data Acquisition","Week 7: Lesson 7: Multispectral Imaging Principles and Applications","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Multispectral Sensor Configuration and Data Capture","Week 9: Lesson 9: Fundamentals of Radio Frequency (RF) Communication for UAS","Week 10: Lesson 10: Command and Control (C2) Data Links and Protocols","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: RF Link Performance Testing and Troubleshooting","Week 12: Lesson 12: Real-time Video Transmission Systems for UAS","Week 13: Lesson 13: Data Link Security and Interference Mitigation","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Integrated Payload and Data Link Deployment"]